Question NW3579 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
04 December 2023 - NW3579
Ramolobeng, Ms A to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
What steps has he taken to deal with the shortages of psychologists in correctional centres, in particular the Tswelopele Correctional Centre, which notably impacts the applications of inmates’ eligibility for parole?
Reply:
The position of a Psychologist at Tswelopele Correctional Centre (TCC), Kimberley Management Area, has been vacant since 31 January 2021. It was advertised in September 2021 and September 2022, respectively without suitable candidates. The post was again advertised in February 2023, and eventually filled as from 01 September 2023.
Whilst waiting the filling of the post, in order to mitigate the backlogs on lifers and other categories of offenders qualifying for placement on parole, the offenders were either transferred to other centres within the region where there are psychologists (Grootvlei and Upington). The Psychologists from the other Management areas were also tasked to go to TCC to undertake the required assessments and intervention.
END.